BRCA1 positive and complications with Diep Flap

Blessed85

I am 28 years old and was diagnosed with BRCA1 mutation in May. Since then I have had ovaries removed and a bilateral Masectomy with DIEP FLAP reconstruction. It has been 5 weeks since and about a week after surgery both my flaps began to swell. They were collecting blood and the left flap reopened at the wound. It looks pretty ugly but the surgeon keeps saying it will heal. And eventually close and they will start the second procedure. Has anyone else have this happen to them?

ForMom

I am also BRCA-1 and had an immediate salpingo-oophorectomy when I got my test results. I went on breast surveillance with tamoxifene, but after a year,they found DCIS in my right breast. Because of the likelihood that I would get it in the other breast eventually, all the doctors I saw recommended I have a bilateral mastectomy with DIEP Flap reconstruction in April. My left breast worked out well. My right kept "leaking."

I couldn't believe how the open wound looked. It was scary to me (blackened flesh on top and raw bloody skin below) but my plastic surgeon (PS) assured me it was healing. Daily, I applied SSD (silver sulfadiazine) to the blackened areas which he eventually removed. I was relieved when he cut that away because the smell made me nauseated even though my husband said it wasn't noticeable.

It's been five months and I still wear a gauze pad over the site which I change after my shower, but it is still leaking. When it is completely healed, my PS will try fat grafting. It does slowly close over time. I have another appointment in two weeks to see if it's completed healed, but I'm not hopeful. It is a long process, but I expect to begin the next step before Christmas.

Anonymous

Good morning, Blessed and For Mom. I hope the last few months have brought you both healing and health. 

I happened across your posts here and wanted to let you know there are discussion boards called Diep 2013 and Diep 2014 ( a lot of the 13s are posting on the 14 board.....paying it forward). You are welcome to join us there! We have women with a wide range of diep experience and complications if you still have questions or need support!